SEVERAL mature oak trees in Tadley have been illegally felled in an “act of vandalism”, the borough council has said.

The trees at Wigmore Heath were recently chopped down without permission, sparking Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council to air its disappointment on social media.

Posting on Twitter, the council said: “We are really disappointed that a number of mature oak trees have been illegally felled at Wigmore Heath in Tadley. This act of vandalism affects our wildlife and biodiversity but also, due to the way that the trees have been left, could present a risk to members of the public.

“Our ranger team has been working with local conservation groups in the area over the winter to expand the heathland habitat and it was hoped that these oaks would grow to full maturity because of the huge benefits to wildlife that they offer including shelter and food.

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“Felling trees is dangerous and unpredictable. Without proper training and equipment, the person doing this is putting themselves at great risk. There is also risk to the public as several of the trees have been left so that they could fall unexpectedly and cause injury.”

In December last year, new powers were introduced as part of a crackdown on illegal tree felling in England.

Felling trees without a felling licence, where one was required, will carry the penalty of an unlimited fine – up from the current limit of £2,500 or twice the value of the trees felled.

The borough council has said that Hampshire Constabulary has been informed of the incident and is calling for anyone with information to contact police.

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Cabinet member for climate and ecological emergency, Cllr Chris Tomblin, said: “It is really disappointing to see these precious oak trees damaged in such a mindless and dangerous way. The impact of their loss on our wildlife and biodiversity could affect over 2,000 wildlife species who use oaks to shelter, eat and breed for many years.

“Felling trees is extremely dangerous and unpredictable. Specialist equipment and training is required to undertake this type of work and the way that the trees have been left could also cause injury to people using the heath for recreational purposes.

“Our ranger team and community safety patrol officers will step up their visits to the heath and I would encourage anyone with information on this incident to contact the police, to prevent further incidents and potential injuries.”